Ian Lee Brown serves as the Chief Employee Experience Officer and Vice President at Duke University Health System (DUHS). In this capacity, he leads the organization's diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging strategies, as well as initiatives focused on employee well-being and workplace safety. His efforts are integral to embedding these elements within DUHS's culture, enabling employees to authentically engage and deliver exceptional care to a diverse patient population.
Professional Background
Before joining DUHS, Brown held various senior-level positions in national healthcare, senior living, and educational organizations. His roles encompassed leadership in culture, diversity, talent management, community outreach, and operations. Notably, he has overseen teams exceeding 1,200 employees and managed budgets surpassing $200 million.
Educational Credentials
Brown's academic achievements include:
- Undergraduate studies at Brooklyn College in New York City.
- Master of Arts in Liberal Studies from Lake Forest College in Chicago.
- Master of Science in Applied Behavioral Science/Organizational Development from Johns Hopkins University Carey Business School in Baltimore.
- Graduate Certificate in Senior Housing and Healthcare from Johns Hopkins University Carey Business School.
- Participation in the Mid-Atlantic Health Leadership Institute at the Bloomberg School of Public Health.
Leadership at Duke University Health System
As part of DUHS's leadership team, Brown collaborates with other executives to advance the health system's mission. The leadership team includes:
- Craig T. Albanese, MD, MBA – Chief Executive Officer
- Matthew Barber, MD, MHS, MSOD – President of Duke Health Integrated Practice (DHIP), Vice Dean for Clinical Affairs in the Duke School of Medicine
- Rhonda Brandon – Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer
- Jeffrey Ferranti, MD, MS – Senior Vice President and Chief Digital Officer
- Lisa M. Goodlett, CPA, MBA, FACHE – Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
- Barbara Griffith, MD – President, Duke Raleigh Hospital
- Morgan Jones, MSPH, FACHE – Chief Strategy Officer
- Catherine Liao – Vice President, Government Relations
- Terry McDonnell, DNP, RN, ACNP-BC – Senior Vice President and Chief Nurse Executive
- Thomas A. Owens, MD – Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
- Gregory Pauly, MHA – Group President, Acute Care Services; President, Duke University Hospital; Vice Dean, Clinical and Academic Integration
- Colleen Shannon – Vice President of Compliance and Administration
- Richard P. Shannon, MD – Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer; Chief Quality Officer
- Trudy Sullivan Stoudamire, MBA – Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing and Communications Officer
Industry Context
The role of Chief Experience Officer (CXO) has become increasingly vital in healthcare organizations, focusing on enhancing both patient and employee experiences. Leaders in this domain are responsible for fostering cultures that prioritize quality, service, and continuous improvement. For instance, at institutions like AdventHealth and UCLA Health, CXOs implement strategies to improve patient satisfaction and staff engagement.
Strategic Focus
In his role, Brown emphasizes:
- Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB): Developing and implementing strategies that promote a diverse and inclusive workplace.
- Employee Well-being: Initiating programs that support the physical and mental health of staff.
- Workplace Safety: Ensuring a safe working environment through comprehensive safety protocols.
These initiatives are designed to create an affirming and welcoming workplace, aligning with DUHS's commitment to excellence in patient care.
Operational Insights
Brown's approach involves:
- Strategic HR Planning: Aligning human resource strategies with DUHS's overarching goals.
- Talent Acquisition and Retention: Implementing practices to attract and retain top talent.
- Leadership Development: Fostering growth opportunities for current and future leaders within the organization.
- Employee Engagement: Utilizing data-driven methods to enhance staff satisfaction and performance.
These efforts contribute to DUHS's reputation as a leading healthcare provider committed to both patient and employee excellence.
